Crafts
Fabric yardage calculator: backing, binding and pieces
Quilt backing is the top plus 4 in per side (Missouri Star). A 58 × 66 in top needs 3¾ yards of 42 in fabric with crosswise seams. Binding is the perimeter plus 10 in, cut in 40 in strips (USU Extension).
Quilt backing yardage by quilt size
Backing is the top plus 4 in on every side. Quilting cotton is sold 42–44 in wide but about 40 in is usable once the selvages are trimmed, so panels are joined with ½ in seams. We lay the seams whichever way uses less fabric.
| Quilt | Size (in) | Backing (in) | 42 in fabric | 108 in wide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36 × 52 | 44 × 60 | 2½ yd, 2 panels | 1¼ yd |
| Throw (lap) | 50 × 65 | 58 × 73 | 3¼ yd, 2 panels | 1¾ yd |
| Twin | 68 × 86 | 76 × 94 | 5¼ yd, 2 panels | 2¼ yd |
| Full | 84 × 90 | 92 × 98 | 7¾ yd, 3 panels | 2¾ yd |
| Queen | 90 × 95 | 98 × 103 | 8¼ yd, 3 panels | 2¾ yd |
| King | 108 × 95 | 116 × 103 | 8¾ yd, 3 panels | 3¼ yd |
| California king | 102 × 100 | 110 × 108 | 9 yd, 3 panels | 6 yd, 2 panels |
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Binding yardage by quilt size
Binding length is the perimeter plus 10 in for the corners and the join. Strips are cut across the width of the fabric, 40 in usable each.
| Quilt | Size (in) | Binding length | Strips | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36 × 52 | 186 in | 5 | 3/8 yd |
| Throw (lap) | 50 × 65 | 240 in | 6 | ½ yd |
| Twin | 68 × 86 | 318 in | 8 | 5/8 yd |
| Full | 84 × 90 | 358 in | 9 | 5/8 yd |
| Queen | 90 × 95 | 380 in | 10 | ¾ yd |
| King | 108 × 95 | 416 in | 11 | 7/8 yd |
| California king | 102 × 100 | 414 in | 11 | 7/8 yd |
Yardage for cut pieces
Switch the calculator to Cut pieces and enter how many pieces you need and their cut size, seam allowance included. It fits as many as it can across the usable width, turns them sideways if that saves fabric, and rounds the yardage up to the next 1/8 yard.
Questions
How much backing fabric for a queen quilt?
For a 90 × 95 in queen, about 8¼ yards of 42 in fabric in 3 panels, or 2¾ yards of 108 in wide backing.
Why divide by 40 and not 42?
Fabric sold as 42–44 in wide loses its selvages and some shrinkage, leaving about 40 in you can use (Missouri Star).
How much extra backing do I need?
4 in per side is the usual amount, so add 8 in to the width and length. Longarm quilters often ask for 4–6 in per side: check with yours.
Is wide backing worth it?
For twin size and up it saves seams and often money: a queen takes 2¾ yards of 108 in backing against 8¼ yards of 42 in fabric.
How much binding fabric do I need?
Perimeter plus 10 in, divided by 40 and rounded up, gives the strips. A queen quilt takes 10 strips at 2½ in: ¾ yard.
What seam allowance for a pieced backing?
½ in, pressed open, rather than the ¼ in used for blocks (Missouri Star).
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